John Smart

mounted together, he wearing a red coat with a black collar and a frilled white chemise; she facing her brother, wearing a white dress trimmed with blue, gold fausse-montre locket frame, with glazed reserves containing locks of their hair

Mrs E.A. Elgar, her sale in these Rooms, 19 December 1977, lot 125

Foskett 1979/1989, p. 366, pl. 105E  

Ivory ground. Because these have remained in a closed locket the colours are notably fresh. Both miniatures are in very good condition; her white dress has one or two minute dark flecks. The frame does not close 100% perfectly.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The dates below Smart's initials on these alluring miniatures of William and Maria Burroughs have been unaccountably effaced. The portraits were almost certainly painted in 1797, the same year that their sister Louisa, later Lady Strange, was depicted by the artist (see Foskett 1964, pl. 4, fig. 15). This is substantiated by inscriptions on the copper backboards of the present lot: 'Mr / Wm Burroughs / by John Smart / 1797' 'Maria / Burroughs / 1797'. Foskett also cites an undated miniature of Laetitia Burroughs, later Lady Ogle, which was presumably executed at the same time. Interestingly, Smart also drew a group portrait of Mrs Burroughs and her children. This work was sold by Mrs Busteed, great granddaughter of the artist, Christie's, 17 December 1936, part lot 44.

Smart showed a particular aptitude in portraying children, a skill of which he was proud: in 1806 he showed Joseph Farington his miniature of the child actor, Master Betty, of which the diarist observed, 'it was like the boy. Smart was, as usual, very much delighted with his own performance'.